VI PREFACE. 



in this country ; but it is hoped that an acquaintance with 

 those insects which have been selected as examples of their 

 class, for their superior beauty or interest, will prepare the 

 student for the profitable reading of those extended works, 

 which he will more readily comprehend, from having his 

 attention directed, in the commencement of the study, to a 

 comparatively few leading particulars. 



When these are well understood, and a tolerably accurate 

 idea is gained of the peculiarities of the Orders and Families, 

 the young Entomologist will turn with more satisfaction 

 and interest to the examination of works devoted to the 

 elucidation of the Genera and Species. For this purpose 

 the advanced student should consult Curtis's "British 

 Entomology/' which has the advantage of beautifully- 

 executed coloured illustrations; Westwood's " Entomo- 

 logist's Compendium" and " Introduction to the Classifi- 

 cation of Insects ;" and for ample information on the history, 

 habits, and uses of the insect tribe, Kirby and Spence's 

 Introduction will be found highly profitable and interesting 



